What is an Early Motor Delay?

Each year, over 400,000 children born in the U.S. are at risk for developing an early motor delay. Over 100,000 children are affected.

Early motor delays are delays in children’s ability to meet critical physical milestones in the first months and years of life--how well and how soon they move and interact with their environment. A wide range of neuromuscular conditions, from nonspecific low muscle tone to cerebral palsy, may cause delays in these functions. In infants, it may be a physical condition which can affect the ability to chew, to swallow, to roll over, to pull up, or to raise the head.

Babies with early motor delays can learn to master their physical developmental steps with support. Regardless of the underlying condition, experts agree that physical, occupational, and speech therapy significantly improve outcomes in children with early motor delays. That is why Pathways promotes the earliest possible detection of motor delays. If you suspect your baby is missing major milestones, we encourage you to talk to your health care provider or contact us as soon as possible.